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The impact of chromium supplementation on glycemic control in Goto‐Kakizaki rats.
Author(s) -
Edwards John G
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.20.5.a1172-a
Subject(s) - medicine , glycemic , endocrinology , diabetes mellitus , impaired glucose tolerance , hyperinsulinemia , nephropathy , type 2 diabetes , insulin resistance
Originally thought to be a metabolic problem, it is now recognized that diabetes causes widespread systemic complications including atherosclerosis, hypertension, retinopathy, nephropathy, and congestive heart failure. Even with strict compliance, tight glycemic control is difficult to achieve for some patients and as a result new therapies are sought. Some reports have suggested that chromium supplementation (CrP) may be useful in the management of NIDDM. Chromium deficient diets are associated with impaired glucose tolerance, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia. Studies using high doses have found some beneficial effects, but the efficacy, mechanisms of action, or safety for long‐term use remain unclear. To study the effects of CrP supplementation; Wistar or Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) rats (a model of NIDDM) were assigned to water or Cr‐P (1 or 10 mg/kg/day) supplementation groups. In comparison to Wistar controls, the GK rats had a significantly (p<.05) higher fasting blood glucose levels (Wistar: 87±4 mg%, GK: 162±7 mg%). CrP supplementation did not alter body weights, water consumption, fasting blood glucose levels, or HbA1C levels in either GK or Wistar animals. Following an overnight fast, glucose tolerance was tested by injecting glucose (0.5 g/kg i.p.) and measuring blood glucose. In the Wistar rats, CrP supplementation did not alter glucose tolerance. In the GK rats, CrP supplementation did improve glucose tolerance at either dose studied (1mg/kg/day: H20;100±11%; CrP 70±8 %:: 10 mg/kg/day: H20;100±10%; CrP 66±9 %). These results suggest that CrP may improve some indices of glycemic control in daibetic rats and may be beneficial in the management of diabetes. Supported in part by NIH PO1HL43023 and the New York Medical College Research Endowment Fund.